Priorities for grid decarbonization in focus of second Regional Power Exchange event

The annual two-day conference Regional Power Exchange brought together diverse stakeholders to discuss achievements, challenges and priorities in grid decarbonization in the Western Balkans.

In late October, over 80 energy sector professionals from across the Western Balkans gathered in Budva, Montenegro, to discuss the region’s progress on decarbonizing the power sector. The flagship event of the project Green Agenda: Decarbonisation of the Electricity Sector in the Western Balkans, funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), provides a platform for in-depth exchanges and strengthening regional cooperation among technical and regulatory stakeholders in the electricity sector in the region.

Participants at the Regional Power Exchange took stock of achievements since the last regional meeting, discussed overarching topics and challenges in decarbonization and tasked working groups with setting priorities for the year ahead. Other sessions addressed regulatory advancements, innovative technology solutions and on-the-ground support for energy projects.

Focus on joint long-term planning

Charles Esser, Secretary General of E.DSO, the body representing the European electricity distribution industry, delivered the keynote speech. It set the tone for the event by highlighting the importance of cooperation and long-term planning in decarbonization projects for the power sector.

His insights were followed by a panel of regional and international experts, including speakers from Germany’s KfW Development Bank and TransnetBW, the electricity transmission system operator in Baden-Württemberg, on the current stage of the energy transition in the region.

Participants took part in joint and breakout technical and regulatory working group sessions, addressing key issues like the introduction of battery storage solutions and procedures for connecting renewable energy systems to national grids. The sessions aimed to identify priorities for 2025 and explore how each nation can best support the wider Western Balkans decarbonization goals.

Studying impact on labor market, vulnerable groups

On the second day, a regional analysis of the effects of the energy transition on the labor market was presented.

“Through the Green Agenda project, GIZ is exploring the human dimension of the energy transition. We would like to understand the impact of the energy transition, with massive infrastructural investments into grids for renewable energy facilities, on the labour market or on vulnerable groups,” GIZ Project Manager Nicolas Heger said, opening the session, and highlighted the issue of the future of coal regions.

Heger: The lack of skilled workers is visible not only on construction sites but also inside energy sector organizations such as grid operators or regulators

As renewables-based energy is booming in the region, the lack of skilled workers is visible not only on construction sites but also inside energy sector organizations such as grid operators or regulators, he stressed.

“For instance, when operating renewable energy technologies, such as complex IT systems or power grid planning, it is crucial to attract highly skilled professionals. We would like to inspire professionals of all kinds for a career in energy and be part of a green future of the Western Balkan region,” Heger pointed out.

Breaking down societal barriers

Another insightful session was a panel on gender dynamics in the energy sector. Panelists discussed the difficulties in engagement for women and other groups, and the importance of education and breaking down societal barriers.

A unique aspect of this year’s exchange was a visit to the converter station of the high-voltage direct current (HVDC) link between Italy and Montenegro, courtesy of Terna. Participants spoke to engineers about the interconnection’s technical aspects and the potential of cross-border infrastructure in supporting energy security and renewables integration in the Western Balkans. Attendees also enjoyed a cultural night, fostering stronger relationships within the region and beyond.

A significant outcome of the conference is the launch of the Western Balkan Power Sector Knowledge Hub on the energypedia platform. Energypedia is an open-access renewable energy wiki for cooperation between energy professionals.

Regulatory and technical working groups set clear priorities for 2025 within the project. The points agreed at the Regional Power Exchange event will drive the work ahead and emphasize a region-wide commitment to transitioning to a cleaner, interconnected energy future for the Western Balkans.